Algorithm to Pair Even Boolean Array Elements

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In summary, the conversation discusses the need for an algorithm that can find and return the address of another true value in an array of booleans, given the address of a starting true value and the constraint of not storing previous choices. It is suggested that by counting the number of true values and returning the address of the N/2 th true value after the starting value, each true value will have a corresponding true value a equal distance above and below it. This algorithm will be used in a cellular automaton.
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intervoxel
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Suppose an array of booleans with an even number of true values. I need an algorithm that, given an address containing a true (say, 3), returns the address of another true (say, 25), such that if I call the algorithm for 25, it returns 3. No storage of old choices are allowed since this algorithm will be used in a cellular automaton.

Thanks for any help.
 
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If you know, or count, the number of true values, call it N, then if the function returns the address of the N/2 th true value after the starting value counting cyclically, then each true value will pair with a true value the same number of places above and below.
 
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FAQ: Algorithm to Pair Even Boolean Array Elements

1. What is an "even Boolean array" in the context of this algorithm?

An even Boolean array is an array where all the elements are either true or false. In this algorithm, we are specifically looking for pairs of elements where both elements are either true or false.

2. How does the algorithm pair the elements of the array?

The algorithm works by iterating through the array and comparing each element to the next one. If both elements are the same (both true or both false), they are considered a pair. If not, the algorithm moves on to the next pair until all elements have been checked.

3. What is the time complexity of this algorithm?

The time complexity of this algorithm is O(n), where n is the length of the array. This means that the time it takes to run the algorithm increases linearly with the size of the array.

4. Can this algorithm be used for arrays with an odd number of elements?

Yes, this algorithm can be used for arrays with an odd number of elements. The algorithm will pair all elements except for the last one, as there is no element for it to be paired with. The last element will be left as a single element in the array.

5. What is the use case for this algorithm?

This algorithm can be useful in situations where we want to group or filter elements in an array based on their boolean values. For example, it could be used to group students in a class based on their attendance (true for present, false for absent), or to filter a list of products based on whether they are in stock or not.

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